Only one defeat from the last four Bundesliga games – bottom club Arminia Bielefeld are arguably in their best phase of the season so far. Nevertheless, the meagre return in terms of tangible results continued to cause the East Westphalians concern in the 1-1 draw against Cologne – despite praise from their opponents.
“We are disappointed and could have used the three points. We put in a convincing performance and were good in the duels. The team has mega morale. It was the problem with the goals again,” Manuel Prietl complained to Sky after the game. In fact, Arminia has the weakest offensive in the Bundesliga with only ten goals scored. Even bottom-placed Fürth scored two goals more.
Baumgart’s praise and Prietl’s warning
Great praise for the East Westphalians also came from their opponents: “They not only fought well, but also played good football. Today – it has to be said – we didn’t find an answer. It wasn’t a good game for us, and we didn’t deserve more than a point today,” said Cologne coach Steffen Baumgart.
In order to avoid drifting too far away from the bottom of the table before the winter break, Arminia need not only good performances and respect from their opponents – but above all points. Prietl is therefore focusing more on the coming weeks.
“The upward trend that began in Stuttgart continues. We want to get to 15th place. With the attitude we had today, we will get some more points. The next games are Hertha and Bochum, that’s where we have to start. “
Lasme and his thanks to “Co” Hille
Maybe one of the players who scored his first Bundesliga goal as a wild card against the Cathedral City side on Saturday can bring a breath of fresh air into the Bielefeld attack: Bryan Lasme, who after his debut first thanked his co-trainer, to whom he immediately ran after his goal: “I’ve been working individually with Sebastian Hille on my finishing. And today on the way to the stadium he said to me that today is the day I score my first goal. And it was. That’s why I celebrated with him. “